Yes, SPFs Are The *Key* To Glowing Skin Forever

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Whether you enjoy frequent picnics in the park, are often jetsetting to a tropical beach somewhere, or just love working remotely on your back porch, there’s one thing you're seriously going to need: A quality sunscreen for both the face and body.

But that holds true on cloudy days, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Daily sunscreen use is important for two main reasons: Skin cancer prevention and anti-aging,” says dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City.

Peep a few of the best sunscreens, below:

When looking for a good sunscreen, you should consider:

• SPF number: Look for the number 30 or higher, according to dermatologist and Women's Health advisor Mona Gohara, MD.

• SPF type: The type of SPF you choose (mineral, physical, or chemical) is totally up to personal preference. If you are acne-prone or prefer a sheer application with no white cast, a chemical sunscreen might work best for you according to dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. And if you have sensitive skin, or want your sunscreen to start working immediately application, she recommends a mineral sunscreen.

• Key Ingredients: "Look out for niacinamide, which calms the skin and improves skin tone and texture," says Dr. Love. Other than that, look for ingredients that support your skin type and goals. For example, if you want to brighten your skin, you'll look for something with vitamin C in it. If you have dry skin, seek out hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

• Broad spectrum: "When a sunscreen has broad spectrum SPF in it, it means the skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays," says Dr. Gohara, so you'll want to choose a sunscreen with that phrase on the label.

Ahead, Women's Health editors polled dermatologists in addition to our staff to get their favorite sunscreens on the market. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there's something on our list for you.

Clear Zinc SPF 50

"This Sun Bum SPF uses zinc oxide and contains aloe and vitamin E, which provides a protective barrier between your face and the sun," says dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD. The formula is hypoallergenic, oil-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it's a great option for hot beach days.

Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's no surprise that CeraVe's oil-free lotion has the heart of Women's Health editorial assistant, Olivia Evans, who loves that it gives her face a gorgeous, natural glow. Dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, gives it a rave review, too. “I never ever leave home without sunscreen! I love using this tinted formulation for its lightweight coverage."

UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD, is a fan of EltaMD's sunscreen, as are Lindsay Geller, Women's Health's lifestyle director, and Amanda Lucci, our deputy editor of content strategy. "It contains hyaluronic acid, so I love recommending it to patients with drier skin types," says Dr. Campbell.

Note: Our editors with medium to dark skin tones say this leaves a white cast on their skin.

Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

"It’s all about the base. I look for creamy formulas that are hydrating," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. This cream formula has an average of 4.6 stars on Amazon with over 11,000 ratings, and reviewers with sensitive skin love how it leaves their skin feeling velvety soft.

Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

"Neutrogena's sunscreen stick is great product for those on the run," says Dr. Goldberg. It's easy to apply or reapply and has SPF 50 with water-resistance, so people with active lifestyles really love it—just check the 5,000 positive ratings on Amazon.

Mineral Creme SPF 50

MDSolarSciences' SPF checks all the boxes for anyone with easily irritated skin. It has an SPF level of 50, is water-resistant, and features a sensitive skin-friendly formula. Dr. Goldenberg loves that it has natural moisturizing ingredients and is coral reef-safe, too.

Eryfotona Ageless SPF 50

"Isdin's SPF contains ‘repairsomes,’ which help with reversing sun damage in skin cells," says Dr. Goldenberg. That makes this a great pick for anyone who has some hyperpigmentation or sun spots, especially because the formula has a glowy, tinted finish.

Invisible Shield Full Physical SPF 52

Senté Invisible Shield has both a tinted and untinted option, both of which are quick to absorb and have a weightless feel on the skin, according to dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. "An added bonus is that this formula contains an advanced antioxidant blend that protects against high-energy visible or blue light," he adds.

Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Makeup wearers know how hard it can be to find a sunscreen you can easily layer underneath concealer or foundation. Luckily, reviewers love that Coola's lightweight sunscreen can be applied under makeup with ease. Since it's so lightweight, it won't clog your pores, either.

Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

Dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, recommends the Unrivaled Sun Serum from EleVen by Venus Williams. "It's a great SPF serum that is 100 percent sheer mineral," she says. Since it's a serum, it's another super lightweight formula that people with oilier skin types love.

Zincscreen

ICYMI, Supergoop! is a brand that only makes SPF products (from eyeshadow to sunscreen oils), so you know you can trust they know what they're doing when it comes to sun protection. Dr. Nussbaum likes that the formula of their Zincscreen product has a barely-there tint with a skin-brightening pigment, so it has a nice glowy effect—and no white cast.

Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45

A personal favorite of dermatologist Candace Spann, MD, she likes that PCA Skin's SPF offers SPF protection with a high-tech tint. It's been specifically formulated to adapt to your skin tone once you rub it in, so it's suitable for a wide range of complexions.

Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40

Yes, this is another Supergoop! pick, but it's a brand that's well-loved by derms as well as our editors Neha Tandon, senior commerce editor, and Lydia Wang, love and life editor. "I love using retinol at night, and now I get retinol benefits during the day time, too, by blending a few drops of this glow-inducing SPF into my moisturizer every morning," says Tandon, who loves this bakuchiol-infused SPF.

Sunforgettable Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Dry sunscreen is perfect for reapplication over makeup, especially if you tend to run a bit oily. "Sunscreen should always be reapplied every two hours, so this allows reapplications without messing up makeup. Plus, it travels well," says Dr. Campbell.

Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer With SPF 35

This Cetaphil Face Moisturizer is a dermatologist favorite. It's super lightweight, making it a great option if you tend to get oily throughout the day. It contains hyaluronic acid, so reviewers with sensitive skin like that it feels nourishing (yet not greasy) on the skin.

Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel SPF 30

Let's be real—some sunscreens can have an unpleasant smell. If you've got a sensitive nose and skin, this sunscreen gel is infused with papaya and pineapple. It's vegan and reef safe, too.

Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60

Those with acne will obviously want to avoid a formula that'll clog pores, which is why reviewers who are acne-prone appreciate this SPF 60 formula that's non-comedogenic. In other words, you won't have to worry about breakouts down the line.

Is sunscreen alone enough to do the trick?

Probably not. Sunscreen works best when paired with physical protection measures such as hats, shirts, and seeking shade, according to Dr. Goldenberg. They all have to work together to shield skin from the sun's harmful rays.

How do I choose the best sunscreen?

When it comes to selecting that go-to sunscreen to kick off the season, you probably know the basics, like the fact that you should opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 50. But after that, things might get murky with all of the endless options.

There are a few key factors that can help you narrow down choosing the best sunscreens. "First, you should also look for a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum," says Dr. Campbell. "Broad spectrum means it protects against UVA and UVB. UVA are the sun rays that cause aging of your skin and UVB rays are the sun rays that cause burning of the skin."

What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

Chemical sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in and for the skin to absorb, and are fine to use in moderation, says Dr. Farhang. But physical (also known as "mineral") sunscreens are typically more highly recommended by derms. "Physical blocking sunscreens, sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium, protect against a broader spectrum of rays," adds Dr. Campbell. Another bonus of using a physical sunscreen is that its ingredients are safer to use during pregnancy.

How do I pick the best sunscreen for my skin type?

You’ll want to keep an eye out for certain key phrases on the label. “If you have sensitive skin, look for ‘fragrance-free’ and ‘hypoallergenic’ formulas,” advises Dr. Nussbaum. “If you’re acne-prone, look for a sunscreen that’s ‘non-comedogenic’ and oil-free. For more sensitive skin types, I recommend using a physical, mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause skin irritation.”

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